Automotive coolant control valve

ABSTRACT

A coolant flow valve for controlling the distribution and flow of coolant to replace the radiator thermostat and heater valve currently used in automotive applications. The valve includes a valve rotor rotationally received in a valve housing wherein the rotational orientation thereof determines which combination of flow paths through four different outlet ports is selected.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/997,118 filed Nov. 28, 2001, currently pending.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a valve for controlling theflow of fluid and more particularly pertains to a valve forsimultaneously controlling the distribution and flow of an automobile'scoolant through multiple flow paths.

Water-cooled internal combustion engines that are used in automobilesrely on a fluid to carry excess heat from the engine to an external heatexchanger commonly referred to as the radiator. Such coolant iscontinuously recirculated through the engine until its temperatureexceeds a preselected level at which point a portion of the flow isrouted through the heat exchanger. The flow to the radiator iscontinuously adjusted in order to maintain the temperature of thecoolant within a desired range. The heat carried by the fluid is alsoused to heat the interior of the automobile whereby a portion of thecirculating coolant is routed through a second heat exchanger positionedso as to heat air that is directed into or recirculated within thepassenger compartment.

The distribution of the flow of coolant that is generated by anengine-driven water pump is typically controlled by two separatecomponents, namely a radiator thermostat and a heater valve. Heretoforeused thermostats typically rely on a mechanism that causes the forcegenerated by the expansion of mass of wax-like material to overcome thebias of a spring to open a valve wherein the wax-like material expandsas a function of temperature. The entire device is immersed in the flowof coolant and is positioned and configured so as to block off the flowof coolant to the radiator when the valve is closed. While the valve isin its closed position, the coolant continues to circulate but is forcedto bypass the radiator and is redirected back into the engine's waterpassages. A number of disadvantages are associated with this type ofconfiguration including, but not limited to, the fact that the bypassflow path remains open at all times and that a portion of the flow ofcoolant therefore always bypasses the radiator even if maximum coolingis called for. Additionally, the positioning of the thermostat directlyin the flow path of the coolant poses an impediment to the flow ofcoolant and thereby compromises the efficiency of the cooling systemwhile the failure of the opening mechanism typically results in thethermostat remaining in its closed configuration which can quickly leadto engine damage. Another disadvantage inherent in heretofore usedthermostat configurations is the fact that the device can necessarilyonly respond to the temperature of the coolant rather than directly tothe temperature of the engine, let alone the anticipated cooling needsof the engine. The engine temperature may therefore not necessarily beoptimized for a variety of conditions, which may result in decreasedfuel efficiency and increased exhaust emissions.

Heater valves are typically positioned so as to direct a portion of theflow of coolant to a heater core positioned within the HVAC system ofthe automobile. Early heating systems included a valve that was simplyactuated by a cable extending from a lever positioned in the interior ofthe automobile. Many modern systems employ computer controlled servooperated valves, wherein the valve position is either modulated so as tocontrol the temperature of the heater or subject to either a fully openor fully closed position wherein air heated by the heater issubsequently mixed with cooled air to regulate the temperature withinthe passenger compartment.

A difficulty associated with this heretofore approach toward controllingthe flow and distribution of coolant is inherent in the fact that, ineffect, two independently operating systems are affecting thetemperature of a common coolant. A change in the demand for heat withinthe passenger cabin will effect the temperature of the coolant as willthe position of the thermostat. A change in one will necessarily inducea change in the other and without a common control system, thetemperature may tend to fluctuate and dither. Variations in engine load,especially in for example, stop-and-go traffic will introduce even morefluctuation as the heat fed into the system will additionally be subjectto variation. Increasingly strict emission regulations and demands forhigher fuel efficiencies require the engine to operate in narrowertemperature ranges which requires a more precise control of coolanttemperature. An improved cooling system is needed with which coolanttemperature and hence engine and heater temperature can be moreprecisely controlled.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The valve of the present invention overcomes the shortcomings ofpreviously known coolant flow and distribution control systems. A singlevalve replaces the presently used separate thermostat and heater valvedevices and provides for the comprehensive control of the routing andflow of circulating coolant. The valve controls the flow of coolant tothe radiator, the amount of flow that bypasses the radiator to bereintroduced into the engine's cooling passages, the flow of coolant tothe heater and additionally provides for the degassing of the coolantflowing through the valve. All such functions are achieved by a singlevalve as described herein.

The valve of the present invention includes a valve rotor that isrotationally received within a valve housing. The housing includes aninlet and a number of outlet ports formed therein while the valve rotorhas a number of conduits extending therethrough that serve to set theinlet port into fluid communication with a selected combination ofoutlet ports as a function of the rotational orientation of the valverotor within the valve housing.

More particularly, the valve of the present invention is configured suchthat the ports that are formed in the cylindrical valve housing arearranged along at least two planes that are spaced along the axis of thehousing. A first plane may include the inlet port and an outlet port forflow to the radiator. Ports arranged along a second plane may include aheater outlet port and a bypass port. A port for carrying gas bubblesmay be formed in an end of the cylindrical housing. The conduits formedin the valve rotor are arranged such that selected conduits becomealigned with selected ports as a function of the rotational orientationof the valve rotor within the valve housing. An internal conduit extendsalong the axis of the valve rotor so as to interconnect conduits thatare arranged along the two planes.

The precise rotational orientation of the valve rotor within the valvehousing required to achieve a certain distribution and flow of coolantmay be achieved by the operation of a stepper motor. Inputs receivedfrom one or more temperature sensors and from an operator with regard toa selected heater temperature may be interpreted by a microprocessor togenerate a signal necessary to drive the motor to a desired position. Amechanical spring may additionally be employed to force the valve rotorto assume a rotational orientation for providing maximum flow to theradiator thereafter in the event a failure of the electronics takesplace to serve as a fail safe mode.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,illustrates by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly that includes apreferred embodiment of the valve of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve rotor;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve rotor taken along lines4—4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve rotor taken along lines5—5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the valve rotor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines 7—7 of FIG.2;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the valve rotor within the valvehousing taken along the same plane as illustrated in FIG. 4 and rotatedto its maximum counter-clockwise rotational orientation;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve rotor within the valvehousing taken along the same plane as is illustrated in FIG. 5 and inthe same rotational orientation of the valve rotor vis-a-vis the valvehousing as is shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the valve rotor within the valvehousing taken along the same plane as is illustrated in FIG. 4 and inits maximum clockwise rotational orientation;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the valve rotor within the valvehousing taken along the same plane as is illustrated in FIG. 5 and inthe same rotational orientation of the valve rotor vis-a-vis the valvehousing as is shown in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a graphic representation of the various flow paths as afunction of rotational orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The valve of the present invention replaces a conventional radiatorthermostat and heater valve that are typically employed in modernautomobiles. The valve controls the flow and distribution of coolant tothe radiator, radiator bypass and heater and may optionally control thedegassing of the coolant.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly 12 that includes thevalve 14 of the present invention. The valve controls the flow ofcoolant therethrough, wherein coolant entering through inlet port 16 isdistributed via a preselectable combination of outlet ports 18, 20, 22,and 24. Setting the inlet port into fluid communication with a desiredcombination of outlet ports is achieved via the operation of anassociated drive mechanism 26, which may take the form of a steppermotor and reduction gear combination.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve 14 sans drive mechanism. Thevalve includes a valve rotor 28 that is rotationally received within avalve housing 30. The valve housing has a plurality of ports formedtherein, including an inlet port 16, a radiator port 18, a bypass port20, a heater port 22 and a degassing port 24. Each of the ports extendthrough the wall of the housing to define a conduit to its interior. Theaxis 32 of the inlet port and the axis 34 of the radiator port arealigned with one another and lie on a first plane that is perpendicularto the central axis 36 of the cylindrical valve. The axis 38 of thebypass port and the axis 40 of the heater port lie on a second planethat is perpendicular to the central axis wherein such second plane isaxially displaced relative to the first plane. The axis 42 of thedegassing port extends from the base of the valve housing, is generallyparallel to the central valve axis 36, and radially offset therefrom. Inthe embodiment illustrated, each of the ports has a length of barbedtubing 43, 44 and 45 of appropriate length and diameter extendingtherefrom configured for receiving a coolant carrying hose or line thatmay be fitted and clamped thereto. The rotational orientation of thevalve rotor within the valve housing determines which outlet ports areset into fluid communication with the inlet port. A shaft 46 extendsfrom one end of the valve rotor along its axis 36 to facilitate itsrotation by the drive mechanism. A return spring 47 disposed about theshaft serves to bias the valve rotor into a preselected rotationalorientation relative to the valve housing.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve rotor 28 of the valve 14 ofthe present invention. The valve rotor has a number of internal fluidpassages formed therein that are interconnected to one another withinthe interior of the valve rotor and to various openings 48, 50 and 52formed on the surface of the valve rotor. The openings arecircumferentially, as well as axially spaced relative to one another inprecisely defined locations so as to become aligned with selected portsformed in the valve housing 30 at preselected rotational orientations ofthe valve rotor relative to the valve housing.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of valve rotor 28 taken along lines 4—4of FIG. 3. Clearly visible is a T-shaped fluid passage 54 formed thereinthat extends through the interior of the valve rotor and to its surfacevia openings 48, 50 and 56 . A central fluid passage 58 extends downalong the central axis of the valve rotor. The rotational orientation ofthe valve rotor within the valve housing 30 will determine which of theopenings 48, 50 and 56 is to be set into fluid communication withradiator port 18 and what percentage of the cross-sectional area of suchopening is to be aligned therewith.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve rotor 28 taken along lines5—5 of FIG. 3. The pie-shaped fluid passage 60 serves to set the centralfluid passage into fluid communication with the elongated opening 52formed on the surface of the rotor as well as with the small axiallyextending fluid passages 62, 64. The rotational orientation of the valverotor within the valve housing 30 will determine whether the bypass port20 or the heater port 22 or both ports, are to be aligned with all or aportion of opening 52. FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the valve rotor28 showing the two grooves 66 and 68 formed in the base of thecomponent. The grooves are in fluid communication with fluid passages 62and 64 which extend into fluid passage 60. The rotational orientation ofthe valve rotor within the valve housing 30 will determine whether oneof the grooves is set into fluid communication with the degassing port24 formed in the base of the valve housing.

Seals are fitted about each of the outlet ports so as to limit the flowof fluid therethrough to only fluid that issues from an opening formedin the valve rotor 28 that is wholly or partially aligned therewith.FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 7—7 of FIG.2 illustrating the seal configuration employed for heater port 22 whichis identical to that which is employed for the radiator port 18 as wellas the bypass port 20. Each of such ports includes a section of tubing44 (or 43 or 45) that extends outwardly and is configured for receivingand retaining a hose or other conduit clamped thereto. Each such sectionof tubing includes a neck portion 72 of reduced diameter disposed nearits proximal end that terminates so as to be approximately aligned withthe inner diameter of the valve housing 30. A flexible seal 70 includesa collar 74 which is tightly fitted about the neck portion as well as aflange 76 that engages the surface of the valve rotor 28. The seal isconfigured such that the coolant which is present in the space 78between the valve rotor and the valve housing serves to backload theseal so as to urge the flange against the valve rotor and thereby forman effective seal. A simple O-ring (not shown) serves to form a sealabout the proximal end of the degassing port 24. A simple gasket (notshown) serves to form a seal between the upper flange 80 of the valvehousing and a cooperating surface that may extend from the enclosure forthe drive mechanism.

In use, the valve of the present invention is plumbed such that theinlet port 16 receives the output from the water pump that is used tocirculate an engine's coolant. The pump may comprise an engine driven orelectrically driven device. The radiator port 18, bypass port 20 andheater port 22 are each plumbed to the respective components while thedegassing port 24 is plumbed so as to most advantageously remove bubblesfrom the circulating coolant as is appropriate for a particular coolingsystem such as by connection to an overflow tank. Conventional hoses andhose clamps may be used to make the various connections. Any of a widevariety of control configurations may be employed to rotate the valverotor 28 within the valve housing 30 in order to achieve a desiredeffect. A microprocessor receiving inputs from various sensors,including for example temperature sensors, as well as input from anoperator, including for example a desired cabin temperature setting,determines which rotational orientation of the valve rotor within thevalve housing would provide the appropriate amount of coolant flowthrough the various flowpaths. The drive mechanism can then be providedwith the appropriate signal in order to rotate the valve rotor into theproper orientation.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment of thevalve of the present invention wherein the valve housing 28 is rotatedto its extreme counterposition within the valve housing 30. FIG. 8 is across-sectional view along the plane that includes the axis 32 of theinlet port 16 and the axis 34 of the radiator port 18. FIG. 9 is across-sectional view along the plane that includes the axis 38 of thebypass port 20 and the axis 40 of the heater port 22. Fluid enteringinlet port 16 is free to enter the valve rotor 28 through any of theunobstructed openings. While the most direct path is via opening 48, thegap 78 between the valve rotor and the valve housing also provides fluidpaths to openings 50, 52 and 56. In this particular rotationalorientation only a small percentage of one of the outlet ports, namelyradiator port 18 is aligned with openings (50 and 56) formed in thevalve rotor. Radiator port seal 82 prevents unobstructed flow along gap78 into the radiator port while bypass port seal 84 and heater port seal86 precludes any flow into the respective ports.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment ofthe valve of the present invention wherein the valve housing 28 isrotated to its extreme clockwise position within the valve housing 30which represents a rotation of approximately 225 degrees from therotational orientation shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 10 is across-sectional view along the plane that includes the axis 32 of theinlet port 16 and the axis 34 of the radiator port 18. FIG. 11 is across-sectional view along the plane that includes the axis 38 of thebypass port 20 and the axis 40 of the heater port 22. Fluid enteringinlet port 16 is free to enter the valve rotor 28 through any of theunobstructed openings. While the most direct flow path is via opening56, the gap 78 between the valve rotor and the valve housing alsoprovides flow paths to openings 50 and 52. In this particular rotationalorientation an unobstructed flow path is provided to both the radiatorvia opening 48 and radiator port 18 and to the heater via central fluidpassage 58, opening 52 and heater port 22. Flow to the bypass port 20 iscompletely blocked off and sealed by bypass port seal 84. As such, thisrotational orientation provides for maximum engine cooling and is usedas a default or failsafe mode. In the event of a controller or otherelectrical malfunction, mechanical spring 47 serves to rotate the valverotor into this orientation.

FIG. 12 is graphic representation of the various flow paths that areestablished as a function of the rotational orientation of the valverotor 28 within the valve housing 30. The horizontal axis represents therotational orientation of the valve rotor in degrees while the verticalaxis represents the approximate open area that is available for the fourdifferent outlets.

The radiator outlet is denoted by diamonds, the heater by the squares,the bypass by the triangles and the degas by the “X's”. Thecross-sectional illustrations of FIGS. 8 and 9 are represented by the 0degree position while the cross-sectional illustrations of FIGS. 10 and11 are represented by the 225 degree position.

The valve configuration of the present invention allows a variety ofdifferent flow path combinations to be selected, including:

a. Bypass only with Degas closed;

b. Heater only with Degas closed;

c. Heater and Bypass open with Degas open;

d. Bypass open with Radiator blended and Degas open;

e. Heater open with Radiator blended and Degas open;

f. Radiator blended from 10% open to 100% open with Degas open; and

g. Radiator open, Heater open, Degas open and Bypass closed.

A controller can be configured to select various rotational orientationspursuant to various scenarios and conditions. Examples of such scenariosand conditions and the corresponding orientational selections includethe following (wherein the index numbers correspond to the boxed numbersshown in FIG. 12):

[t1]

Potential Cold Day Scenario IN- HEAT- BY- DE- DEX MODE RADIATOR ER PASSGAS 1 Warm up < 95 C OFF OFF 100% OFF Warm up = 95 C before OFF 100% OFFOFF 2 OEM Degas shutoff time on Cold Day 3 Warm up > 95 C OFF 100% 100%100% after OEM Degas shutoff time on Cold Day 5 Transition on Cold Day1% to 25% 100% OFF 100% 7 Economy on Cold Day 35% to 100% OFF 100% 80% 9Power on Cold Day 50% to 100% OFF 100% 100% 11 Engine Off/Overheat 100%100% OFF 100%

Potential Warm Day Scenario IN- HEAT- BY- DE- DEX MODE RADIATOR ER PASSGAS 1 Warm up < 95 C OFF OFF 100% OFF 6 Transition on Warm Day  1% to25% OFF 100% 100% 8 Economy on Hot Day 35% to 80% OFF OFF 100% 10 Poweron Hot Day 50% to OFF OFF 100% 100% 11 Engine Off/Overheat 100% 100% OFF100%

The valve of the present invention may be formed from any of a varietyof different materials. For example, the valve rotor may preferably beformed of an acetal copolymer known as celcon while the valve housingmay be formed of a nylon thermoplastic. Other plastics may alternativelybe used. As a further alternative, a metal may be used in thefabrication of one or both of the major components.

While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications can be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. The valve may be adapted for use in any of avariety of water-cooled engines, may be mounted in any of a variety ofspatial orientations, including but not limited to an invertedorientation, may used with any of a variety of devices for selectingrotational orientations based on a multitude of inputs while the valverotor may be rotated into position with any of a variety of drivemechanisms. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention belimited except by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve for distributing and regulating the flowof coolant issuing from a water pump to a radiator, a bypass circuit anda heater, comprising: a valve housing having ports formed thereinincluding an inlet port configured to receive coolant issuing from awater pump, a first outlet port configured to direct coolant to aradiator, a second outlet port configured to direct coolant to a bypasscircuit and a third outlet port configured to direct coolant to aheater; and a valve rotor rotationally disposed within the valvehousing, having a plurality of internal fluid passages and configured toset the inlet port in fluid communication with a selected combination ofthe outlet ports.
 2. The valve of claim 1, further comprising anelectric motor for driving the valve rotor into preselected rotationalorientations within the valve housing.
 3. A valve for distributing andregulating the flow of coolant issuing from a water pump to a radiator,a bypass circuit and a heater, comprising: a valve housing having portsformed therein including an inlet port configured to receive coolantissuing from a water pump, a first outlet port configured to directcoolant to a radiator, a second outlet port configured to direct coolantto a bypass circuit and a third outlet port configured to direct coolantto a heater; and a valve rotor rotationally disposed within the valvehousing configured to set the inlet port in fluid communication with aselected combination of the outlet ports, wherein the valve inlet portand the radiator port are formed in diametrically opposed locations inthe valve housing and the valve rotor has a first fluid passage formedtherein configured to become aligned with the inlet port and theradiator port at a preselected rotational orientation so as to provide alinear and unobstructed flow path for coolant through the valve.
 4. Thevalve of claim 3, wherein the bypass port and the heater port arearranged so as to define a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis ofthe valve rotor and wherein such plane is axially spaced from the inletand radiator ports.
 5. The valve of claim 4, wherein the valve rotor hasfluid passages formed therein that allow the inlet port to be set intofluid communication with the radiator port and the heater port whileblocking flow to the bypass port.
 6. The valve of claim 5, furthercomprising a spring for biasing the valve rotor to a rotationalorientation wherein the inlet port is set into fluid communication withthe radiator port while blocking flow to the bypass port.
 7. The valveof claim 4, wherein the valve rotor has fluid passages formed therein toallow the inlet port to be set into fluid communication with theradiator port while blocking flow to the heater port and the bypassport.
 8. The valve of claim 4, wherein said valve rotor has fluidpassages formed therein to allow the inlet port to be set into fluidcommunication with the heater port while blocking flow to the radiatorport and the bypass port.
 9. A valve for distributing and regulating theflow of coolant issuing from a water pump to a radiator, a bypasscircuit and a heater, comprising: a valve housing having ports formedtherein including an inlet port configured to receive coolant issuingfrom a water pump, a first outlet port configured to direct coolant to aradiator, a second outlet port configured to direct coolant to a bypasscircuit and a third outlet port configured to direct coolant to aheater; and a valve rotor rotationally disposed within the valve housingconfigured to set the inlet port in fluid communication with a selectedcombination of the outlet ports, further comprising a degassing portformed in the valve housing and the valve rotor has a fluid passageformed therein for setting the inlet port into fluid communication withthe degassing port when the valve rotor is in preselected rotationalorientations relative to the valve housing.
 10. The valve of claim 7,wherein the degassing port is parallel to and radially offset from therotational axis of the valve rotor within the valve housing.
 11. Thevalve of claim 6, wherein the rotational orientation further serves toset the inlet port into fluid communication with the heater port.
 12. Avalve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolant issuing from awater pump to a radiator, a bypass line and a heater comprising: a valvehousing having ports formed therein including an inlet port configuredto receive coolant issuing from a water pump, a first outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a radiator, a second outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a bypass line and a third outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a heater; a valve rotor, rotatablydisposed within the valve housing, wherein the valve rotor can provide aplurality of internal fluid passages within the valve rotor to providefluid communication between the inlet port and at least one of the firstoutlet port, the second outlet port and the third outlet port; and adrive mechanism that is operatively connected to the valve rotor formoving the valve rotor into at least one preselected rotationalorientation.
 13. The valve for distributing and regulating the flow ofcoolant according to claim 12, wherein the drive mechanism includes amotor.
 14. The valve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolantaccording to claim 13, wherein the motor includes a stepper motor. 15.The valve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolant accordingto claim 12, wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor operativelyconnected to a reduction gear combination.
 16. The valve fordistributing and regulating the flow of coolant according to claim 12,further comprising a biasing mechanism to position the valve rotor in apreselected rotational orientation relative to the valve housing. 17.The valve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolant accordingto claim 16, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a spring.
 18. Thevalve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolant according toclaim 12, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed about a shaftof the valve rotor to position the valve rotor in a preselectedrotational orientation relative to the valve housing.
 19. The valve fordistributing and regulating the flow of coolant according to claim 12,wherein at least one internal fluid passage of the plurality of internalfluid passages includes a passage that extends down along an axis of thevalve rotor.
 20. The valve for distributing and regulating the flow ofcoolant according to claim 12, wherein at least one internal fluidpassage of the plurality of internal fluid passages extends down along acentral axis of the valve rotor includes an a first opening in a topportion of the valve rotor and a second opening in a bottom portion ofthe valve rotor.
 21. A valve for distributing and regulating the flow ofcoolant issuing from a water pump to a radiator, a bypass line and aheater comprising: a valve housing having ports formed therein includingan inlet port configured to receive coolant issuing from a water pump, afirst outlet port configured to direct coolant to a radiator, a secondoutlet port configured to direct coolant to a bypass line and a thirdoutlet port configured to direct coolant to a heater; a valve rotor,rotatable disposed within the valve housing, wherein the valve rotor canprovide at least one internal fluid passage within the valve rotor toprovide fluid communication between the inlet port and at least one ofthe first outlet port, the second outlet port and the third outlet port,wherein the at least one internal fluid passage includes a first fluidpassage that extends down along a central axis of the valve rotor andthe at least one internal fluid passage includes a second fluid passagethat extends from the first fluid passage to a first opening in an outersurface of the valve rotor and the at least one internal fluid passageincludes a third fluid passage that extends from the first fluid passageto a second opening in the outer surface of the valve rotor and the atleast one internal fluid passage includes a fourth fluid passage thatextends from the first fluid passage to a third opening in the outersurface of the valve rotor, wherein the first opening, second openingand third opening can be positioned by the rotation of the valve rotorvia the drive mechanism to selectively control coolant flow from theinlet port to the first outlet port; and a drive mechanism that isoperatively connected to the valve rotor for moving the valve rotor intoat least one preselected rotational orientation.
 22. The valve fordistributing and regulating the flow of coolant according to claim 21,wherein the second fluid passage is axially aligned with the third fluidpassage and the fourth fluid passage is substantially perpendicular tothe second fluid passage and the third fluid passage to form a t-shapedfluid passage.
 23. The valve for distributing and regulating the flow ofcoolant according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of internal fluidpassages includes a first fluid passage that extends down along acentral axis of the valve rotor and the plurality of internal fluidpassages includes at least one second fluid passage that extends fromthe first fluid passage to at least one opening in the outer surface ofthe valve rotor, wherein the at least one opening can be selectivelypositioned by the rotation of the valve rotor via the drive mechanism toselectively control coolant flow from the inlet port to the first outletport, the second outlet port and the third outlet port.
 24. The valvefor distributing and regulating the flow of coolant according to claim23, wherein the at least one second fluid passage is pie-shaped.
 25. Thevalve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolant according toclaim 12, wherein at least one internal fluid passage of the pluralityof internal fluid passages includes a plurality of axially extendinginternal fluid passages located within the valve rotor.
 26. A valve fordistributing and regulating the flow of coolant issuing from a waterpump to a radiator, a bypass line and a heater comprising: a valvehousing having ports formed therein including an inlet port configuredto receive coolant issuing from a water pump, a first outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a radiator, a second outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a bypass line and a third outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a heater; a valve rotor, rotatabledisposed within the valve housing, wherein the valve rotor can provideat least one internal fluid passage within the valve rotor to providefluid communication between the inlet port and at least one of the firstoutlet port, the second outlet port and the third outlet port, whereinthe at least one internal fluid passage includes a plurality of axiallyextending internal fluid passages located within the valve rotor andfurther comprising a fourth outlet port located on a bottom portion ofthe valve housing, wherein the plurality of axially extending internalfluid passages includes a first fluid passage, having a first diameter,that extends down along a central axis of the valve rotor and having afirst opening in a top portion of the valve rotor and a second openingin a bottom portion of the valve rotor and at least one second fluidpassage that is parallel to the first fluid passage, having a seconddiameter that is less than the first diameter, wherein the at least onesecond fluid passage only extends for a portion of a length of the valverotor to at least one third opening in a bottom portion of the valverotor, wherein the at least one third opening can be selectivelypositioned by the rotation of the valve rotor via the drive mechanism toselectively provide degassing of the coolant, passing within the valve,via the fourth outlet port; and a drive mechanism that is operativelyconnected to the valve rotor for moving the valve rotor into at leastone preselected rotational orientation.
 27. The valve for distributingand regulating the flow of coolant according to claim 26, wherein the atleast one second fluid passage includes at least one groove formed inthe bottom portion of the valve rotor in fluid relationship with the atleast one third opening in the bottom portion of the valve rotor. 28.The valve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolant accordingto claim 12, wherein at least one internal fluid passage of theplurality of internal fluid passages includes a gap between the valverotor and the valve housing.
 29. The valve for distributing andregulating the flow of coolant according to claim 28, further includingat least one flexible seal between the valve rotor and at least one ofthe inlet port, the first outlet port, the second outlet port and thethird outlet port to prevent fluid from flowing into the gap.
 30. Thevalve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolant according toclaim 29, wherein the flexible seal includes at least one flange portionadjacent to the valve rotor and a collar portion adjacent to andextending into the inlet port or at least one of the first outlet port,the second outlet port and the third outlet port.
 31. A valve fordistributing and regulating the flow of coolant issuing from a waterpump to a radiator, a bypass line and a heater comprising: a valvehousing having ports formed therein including an inlet port configuredto receive coolant issuing from a water pump, a first outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a radiator, a second outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a bypass line and a third outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a heater, wherein the inlet port andfirst outlet port are located in a first plane and the second outletport and the third outlet port are located in a second plane; a valverotor, rotatably disposed within the valve housing, wherein the valverotor can provide at least one internal fluid passage within the valverotor to provide fluid communication between the inlet port and at leastone of the first outlet port, the second outlet port and the thirdoutlet port; and a drive mechanism that is operatively connected to thevalve rotor for moving the valve rotor into at least one preselectedrotational orientation.
 32. The valve for distributing and regulatingthe flow of coolant according to claim 31, wherein the first plane andthe second plane are substantially perpendicular to a central axis forthe valve rotor and the first plane and the second plane are axiallyspaced from each other.
 33. The valve for distributing and regulatingthe flow of coolant according to claim 31, wherein the at least oneinternal fluid passage includes a first fluid passage that extends downalong a central axis of the valve rotor and the at least one internalfluid passage includes a plurality of second fluid passages from thefirst fluid passage to at least one first surface opening in the valverotor, wherein the plurality of second fluid passages can be positionedby the rotation of the valve rotor via the drive mechanism toselectively control coolant flow from the inlet port to the first outletport in the first plane and from the inlet port to the second outletport and the third outlet port in the second plane.
 34. A valve fordistributing and regulating the flow of coolant issuing from a waterpump to a radiator, a bypass line and a heater comprising: a valvehousing having ports formed therein including an inlet port configuredto receive coolant issuing from a water pump, a first outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a radiator, a second outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a bypass line and a third outlet portconfigured to direct coolant to a heater, wherein the inlet port andfirst outlet port are located in a first plane and the second outletport and the third outlet port are located in a second plane; a valverotor, rotatably disposed within the valve housing, wherein the valverotor can provide at least one internal fluid passage within the valverotor to provide fluid communication between the inlet port and at leastone of the first outlet port, the second outlet port and the thirdoutlet port, wherein the at least one internal fluid passage includes afirst fluid passage parallel to a central axis of the valve rotor andthe at least one internal fluid passage includes a second fluid passagefrom the first fluid passage to a first surface opening in the valverotor in the first plane, the at least one internal fluid passageincludes a third fluid passage from the first fluid passage to a secondsurface opening in the valve rotor in the first plane, the at least oneinternal fluid passage includes a fourth fluid passage from the firstfluid passage to a third surface opening in the valve rotor in the firstplane, wherein the second fluid passage, the third fluid passage and thefourth fluid passage can be positioned by the rotation of the valverotor via the drive mechanism to selectively control coolant flow fromthe inlet port to the first outlet port in the first plane and the atleast one internal fluid passage includes at least one fifth fluidpassage from the first fluid passage to at least one fourth surfaceopening in the valve rotor in the second plane, wherein the at least onefifth fluid passage can be positioned by the rotation of the valve rotorvia the drive mechanism to selectively control coolant flow from theinlet port to the second outlet port in the second plane and the thirdoutlet port in the second plane; and a drive mechanism that isoperatively connected to the valve rotor for moving the valve rotor intoat least one preselected rotational orientation.
 35. The valve fordistributing and regulating the flow of coolant according to claim 34,wherein the second fluid passage, the third fluid passage and the fourthfluid passage form a t-shaped fluid passage in the first plane and theat least one fifth fluid passage forms a pie-shaped fluid passage in thesecond plane.
 36. The valve for distributing and regulating the flow ofcoolant according to claim 31, further comprising a biasing mechanismdisposed about a shaft of the valve rotor to position the valve rotor ina preselected rotational orientation relative to the valve housing. 37.The valve for distributing and regulating the flow of coolant accordingto claim 31, wherein the at least one internal fluid passage includes agap between the valve rotor and the valve housing and further includingat least one flexible seal between the valve rotor and the inlet portand at least one flexible seal between the valve rotor and at least oneof the first outlet port, the second outlet port and the third outletport to prevent fluid from flowing into the gap.
 38. A valve fordistributing and regulating the flow of coolant issuing from a waterpump to a radiator, a bypass line and a heater comprising: a valvehousing having a bottom portion and having ports formed thereinincluding an inlet port configured to receive coolant issuing from awater pump, a first outlet port configured to direct coolant to aradiator, a second outlet port configured to direct coolant to a bypassline, a third outlet port configured to direct coolant to a heater and afourth outlet port configured to degas coolant within the valve, whereinthe inlet port and the first outlet port are located in a first planeand the second outlet port and the third outlet port are located in asecond plane and the fourth outlet port is located on the bottom portionof the valve housing, wherein the first plane and the second plane aresubstantially perpendicular to a central axis for the valve rotor andthe first plane and the second plane are axially spaced from each other;a valve rotor, rotatably disposed within the valve housing, wherein thevalve rotor can provide at least one internal fluid passage to providefluid communication between the inlet port and at least one of the firstoutlet port, the second outlet port and the third outlet port; and adrive mechanism that is operatively connected to the valve rotor formoving the valve rotor into at least one preselected rotationalorientation.
 39. A valve for distributing and regulating the flow ofcoolant issuing from a water pump to a radiator, a bypass line and aheater comprising: a valve housing having a bottom portion and havingports formed therein including an inlet port configured to receivecoolant issuing from a water pump, a first outlet port configured todirect coolant to a radiator, a second outlet port configured to directcoolant to a bypass line, a third outlet port configured to directcoolant to a heater and a fourth outlet port configured to degas coolantwithin the valve, wherein the inlet port and the first outlet port arelocated in a first plane and the second outlet port and the third outletport are located in a second plane and the fourth outlet port is locatedon the bottom portion of the valve housing, wherein the first plane andthe second plane are substantially perpendicular to a central axis forthe valve rotor and the first plane and the second plane are axiallyspaced from each other; a valve rotor, rotatable disposed within thevalve housing, wherein the valve rotor can provide at least one internalfluid passage to provide fluid communication between the inlet port andat least one of the first outlet port, the second outlet port and thethird outlet port, wherein the at least one internal fluid passageincludes a first fluid passage parallel to a central axis of the valverotor and having a first surface opening in a top portion of the valverotor and a second surface opening in the bottom portion of the valverotor and the at least one internal fluid passage includes a secondfluid passage from the first fluid passage to a third surface opening inthe valve rotor in the first plane and the at least one internal fluidpassage includes a third fluid passage from the first fluid passage to afourth surface opening in the valve rotor in the first plane and the atleast one internal fluid passage includes a fourth fluid passage fromthe first fluid passage to a fifth surface opening in the valve rotor inthe first plane, wherein the second fluid passage, the third fluidpassage and the fourth fluid passage can be positioned by the rotationof the valve rotor via the drive mechanism to selectively controlcoolant flow from the inlet port to the first outlet port in the firstplane and the at least one internal fluid passage includes a fifth fluidpassage from the first fluid passage to a sixth surface opening in thevalve rotor in the second plane, wherein the fifth fluid passage can bepositioned by the rotation of the valve rotor via the drive mechanism toselectively control coolant flow from the inlet port to the secondoutlet port in the second plane and the third outlet port in the secondplane and the at least one internal fluid passage includes at least onesixth fluid passage from the first fluid passage to at least one seventhsurface opening in the bottom portion of the valve rotor, wherein the atleast one sixth fluid passage can be positioned by the rotation of thevalve rotor via the drive mechanism to selectively provide degassing ofcoolant, passing within the valve, via the fourth outlet port; and adrive mechanism that is operatively connected to the valve rotor formoving the valve rotor into at least one preselected rotationalorientation.
 40. The valve for distributing and regulating the flow ofcoolant according to claim 39, wherein at least one sixth fluid passageincludes dual fluid passages and the at least one seventh surfaceopening includes dual grooved openings, wherein the dual fluid passagesextend from the fifth fluid passage to the dual grooved openings in thebottom portion of the valve rotor.
 41. The valve for distributing andregulating the flow of coolant according to claim 38, wherein the atleast one internal fluid passage includes a gap between the valve rotorand the valve housing and further including at least one flexible sealbetween the valve rotor and the inlet port and at least one flexibleseal between the valve rotor and at least one of the first outlet port,the second outlet port and the third outlet port to prevent fluid fromflowing into the gap.